What is studied when examining embryos to understand evolutionary relationships?

What is studied when examining embryos to understand evolutionary relationships?

• A. Morphogenesis
• B. Cell Differentiation
• C. Embryonic Development
• D. DNA Replication

Answer: (C)

When studying embryos to uncover evolutionary relationships, the focus is on embryonic development. This area provides valuable insights because many species exhibit similar features during certain stages of their embryonic development, even if they look vastly different as adults. By examining these developmental stages, scientists can identify homologous structures, which suggest a common ancestry among species. This comparative embryology highlights morphological similarities that are not always apparent when comparing adult forms. Thus, analyzing the pathways of embryonic development can illuminate how diverse species have evolved from shared ancestors, reinforcing the connections in the tree of life.

When studying embryos to uncover evolutionary relationships, the focus is on embryonic development. This area provides valuable insights because many species exhibit similar features during certain stages of their embryonic development, even if they look vastly different as adults. By examining these developmental stages, scientists can identify homologous structures, which suggest a common ancestry among species. This comparative embryology highlights morphological similarities that are not always apparent when comparing adult forms. Thus, analyzing the pathways of embryonic development can illuminate how diverse species have evolved from shared ancestors, reinforcing the connections in the tree of life.